Author’s Note: This was my winning piece during the 2nd Mindanao Journalism Excellence Awards organized by Mindanao Daily and Business Week Mindanao held at Lim Ket Kai Center last March 08, 2016. My first attempt in writing sports news, I didn’t expect to win in the category. When my university’s (Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan) and my names were announced during the awarding ceremony, I was beyond overwhelmed. This could be a good start for sports writing.
Cagayan de Oro College PHINMA Scorpions triumphed in the 11th St. Ignatius de Loyola Cup Interschool basketball tournament in the final face-off against Southern Philippine College Sharks, surpassing them with a massive 86-72 on February 25, 2016 at the Xavier University Gym.
Pacing their way towards their first veritable Loyola Cup victory, COC Scorpions strode with pride as Most Valuable Player Anthony Peralta impressed the crowd with prodigious dribbles and excellent shots that earned 26 points in the game.
COC Scorpions’ points further escalated with Luzoladio and Villarosa’s 12, Quiambao’s 11, Precillas and Enojardo’s 8, Vergabera’s 5, and Jumawan and Torres’ 2.
However, determined SPC Sharks were intimidated by the African player Quentin Luzoladio whose colossal 6-foot-10 height loomed over the arena, making it impossible for the Sharks to breach through the COC Scorpions’ home court.
This didn’t stop SPC Sharks’ Orig to shoot for 18 points together with Estrella’s 12, Buarao and Aquino’s 11, Abejuela and Daitol’s 7, and Akut’s 5.
Despite COC Scorpion coach Raymond Mercader and key player Villaruel’s ejection prior to the final game, the COC Scorpions still managed to get hold of the prestigious victory.
Mercader, whose team championed six times during the COSAA Meet, expressed that this achievement was a memorable victory for them.
“Naa’y kalipay, naa’y kasakit,” Mercader quipped.
The tournament concluded in February this year, naming COC Scorpions’ Anthony Peralta as the Most Valuable Player, a coveted title for basketball student-athletes in the locality.
St. Ignatius de Loyola Cup is an annual basketball tournament commonly held in XU gym. The most recent one in which the COC Scorpions reigned as victors commenced in November 2015 with Rey Nambatac of the Letran Knights addressing his speech. It was participated by 30 schools from the cities of Iligan and Marawi as well as the province of Bukidnon. A total of 50 teams competed.
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